Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Fall Forward!

Can you believe it is September already?! I sure can't! But I always seem to look forward to fall. When I was younger, it was new school supplies and new classes and teachers. Now, it is football, apples, crisp evenings, wearing the new knits, autumn..... so much to look forward to as this season changes!

But before we jump to quickly to fall, let's finish up some summer socks!

Aren't these just about the sweetest things?! Little girl Cotty socks in STR Peek-a-boo Peony! I used the sport size with mediumweight yarn and they seem to fit Little Snowboarder (Snowboarder's cutie patootie 6-year old) just right!

Despite the 80 degree weather today, she wanted to wear one of her socks. Just one. Too cute!

Of course, Snowboarder's response, "That's right! They are so cute. Now ask her where daddy's hat is?" (sheesh, I promise him a hat and he wants it right away...or six months away....seriously! note to self: cast on soon. You promised him he'd have it after sock camp. That was in April.)

Now let's get back to talking about fall.Remember I mentioned we'd have a contest when the blog had 100,000 hits! Its time for that contest! This blog has brought me so much joy! I can't quite explain it, but I hope you all know that I appreciate you so very much! Thank you!

First, the big prize!

One lucky winner will receive all these goodies! 3 skeins of sock yarn and 3 of my sock patterns and a few other goodies!

All you need to do is leave a comment telling me about something you are looking forward to. If you want, you could also mention anything you'd look foward to reading about here on the blog (I'm always looking for blogging suggestions!).

I'll get us started.

I'm looking forward to a 3-day weekend!!

I'm looking forward to Notre Dame's opening football game on Saturday!! I'll be honest, I'm so looking forward to college football season that I may even watch ESPN's Thursday night Oregon vs. Boise St. game!

I'm looking forward to showing you my NEW sock pattern (notice the prize above includes 3 sock patterns!). I'll be sharing it soon!

I'm looking forward to this new cookbook coming out this fall. I found out about the Pioneer Woman from you guys! Thanks for that blog recommendation!

And I'm really looking forward to Cat Bordhi's new book! Her socks that I made at sock camp are probably my best fitting pair (and I knit them toe-up! get out!).

And how can I forget about fall tv! I'm sooooo looking forward to Glee, CSI, Grey's Anatomy, and quite a few others!! What about you?

Contest will be open for a week....until Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 9pm PST.

I'm looking forward to:-Cat Bordhi's latest book-finishing up my latest pair of socks-casting on for a pair of socks for the boyfriend-hanging out with the boyfriend this weekend-and late night hot chocolate

Yummy colorway and such a cute pattern love the cuff:)I'm looking forward to my birthday next month and I bought some yummy yarns from another raveler in vampire and oxblood to knit some Halloween projects.I'm looking forward to this weekend when I can sleep in and hopefully be knitting the dish rag for my team checking mailbox every day;)I'm looking forward to casting on some cowls with my birthday yarn.Hugs and Happy 100,000 views and this is a fantastic giveaway:)Hugs Darcy

Oh - I'm looking forward to spring coming here in AustraliaAnd I'm looking forward to the next Rockin' Sock Club shipmentI'm looking forward to school holidays with my kids starting tomorrow, and to my little girls act in the circus show this weekend.I'm looking forward to seeing your new socksI'm looking forward to opening a nice bottle of wineand most of all, I'm looking forward to having a holiday with my family next week!

Lovely socks. I will cast on another pair of Cottys later this year but first I will do a pair of Blackberry Brambles when my STR Mochaberry arrives.

I am looking forward to:

1. Iftar dinner with the family tonight. Iftar is the traditional breaking of fast for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. It's been a while since we all had a nice dinner out and this should be good.

2. Evaluation in Photography class tomorrow - I selected my two photos for the critique. Got them printed on matt paper and they look great, if I say so myself.

3. Knitting meet up at Jackie's place tomorrow where we wil have guys from India bringing in their silk yarn which they want to sell. We already placed advanced orders and I can't wait to see them. I can't wait to get together and catch up with my knitting group too!

4. The end of summer. It's just dragging on for too long and I can't wait to get out to the beach and the park without the risk of getting dehydrated.

5. My very first order of Miss Babs Yummy Sock Yarn! Yay! I got the Frog Belly Monochrome Sock and four skeins of the Tiffany Solo.

I might watch tonight too--but only b/c I hope that Oregon will Stomp Boisie State. I freaking HATE them. They give small schools a bad name with their (normally) cupcake schedules and arrogance. I'm not bitter--LOL!

Love the socks! And wuhahahhhaha to Snowboarder for getting her to work you for another hat! (One of the perks to having kids! Hee hee!)

What a cutie pie....wearing one sock! Little girl Cotty's are very cute!I'm looking forward to the local fiber fest we have in a nearby town. I usually have a booth there but this year I'm not, I'm taking my daughter with me to enjoy the weekend. The festival is usually mid to late September, the mornings are crisp, and it's a perfect time to bring out the newly knitted items of winter. This is what kicks off fall for me!

I'm looking forward to a little cooler weather, so that I can carry on my wisteria pullover. I'm looking forward to the weekend in one and a half week, as I'm heading to Dublin, and I'm looking forward to tonights yoga-class to stop my lower back from aching!

Last but not least (a non-paid advertisement here) I'm looking forward to my "knitting sock with hand-painted yarn"-book to arrive; I ordered it from book depository a while a go, and since it didn't arrive within 3 weeks, they promised to replace it. Their reply on my "where's my book?"-email was really prompt and kind :) Go good customer service!

In MD, the weather gave us a taste of fall this week, and now I'm looking forward to the season showing up in earnest. I'm totally ready for apples and pumpkin picking and hiking when the leaves start to turn.

I'm looking forward toSouthwick knit in this afternoonOur grandson's 1st soccer game of the seasonWatching fall arrive over the lakeMotor homing to Florida for a few week vacationSeeing my sister in FloridaLunch

I've been looking forward to fall because we are taking our first real family vacation to Disney World in less that 3 weeks!! It's been planned for months and seemed like it would never get here. I am even looking forward to the 12 hr car ride to Orlando. (Knitting time of course!) I really enjoy your blog, too. It's definitely one of my favorites to visit. I've been eying the Cotty Pattern for a while. I've seen so many great socks made from it. I think I may have to buy it very soon!!

holyc rap you must tell me where snowboarder's cutie daughter shops for her sneakers! I LOVE THOSE! what brand are they and please for the love of all things good tell me they make them in women's size 9.

I'm looking forward to some knitting on the long weekend. Work and school and dog training don't leave nearly enough knitting time. I'm looking forward to more blogging about knitting on your site also.Colleen in Kansas

Those are some cute socks! I may need to knit some more Cotties as Xmas gifts.

I am looking forward to lots of things: Stitches Midwest next week (can't go to crazy in the Marketplace, after Sock Summit. Just sayin'), my sister's wedding in October, the holidays coming up being celebrated in my new house with my bf. Lots of things.

What am I looking forward to? Kind of like you, but I am looking forward to watching the Hokies play football this weekend - woohoo for college football. I am thinking I should pull out some sock yarn with Virginia Tech colors and cast on :)

I'm looking forward to knitting up my Gothsocks yarn. I have Christmas knitting to do, plus I've been making concerted efforts to just finish up all the UFOs sitting about, but I have brand new Gothsocks, and if I don't knit with it soon, I'll bust!

i am looking forward to a trip to Napa Valley for my birthday in October, a possible work trip to Mexico City in November, and fall in general, as it's my favorite season. oh, and pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks (I know they're available already, but I don't drink them until it really starts getting fall-ish!)

I'm looking forward to the winter storms that will leave me housebound with my stash.

Most of all, I'm looking forward to my daughter graduating from high school and moving on to college. It's down the road a ways-about 18 months--but she has worked so hard and is turning into such a wonderful young woman. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her. Hopefully, there's some knitting...

As for future blogging from you--would love to read more travel posts from you. I always enjoy those. And of course, more food. Love your food photos!

It feels like fall here. I'm in black capris with a shirt I usually wear with white ones... I can clearly hear my stepmom saying no white AFTER Labor Day, but what happens when Labor Day is about as late in the calendar year as it can be?

I'm looking forward to the beach. We're off-season folks, and I can't wait to watch Sissy chase sand crabs and see what Gretchen does.

I am looking forward to cool weather, dressing in layers, and using my woolies. I am looking forward to finishing more knitting projects and the joy of starting new ones. I am looking forward to pleasant surprises.

100,000 hits is a most momentous occasion. You should celebrate by knitting a scarf 100,000 yards long. I wonder how much yarn that would take? I'm looking forward to you doing that. :) I'm also very much looking forward to FINISHING MY FRICKING PHD which will happen before next summer. Very very much looking forward to that.

I'm really looking forward to re-starting knitting on my February Lady Sweater now that I finally got through buying a house and the weather is turning cool again. I can finally stomach the thought of sitting under a mound of wool yarn.

I'm also looking forward to planning my fair knitting for next year, after doing well this year

I have a friend who is might be coming down for the weekend for a visit. Since I moved away just over a year ago, I'm SUPER excited about the possibility! I'm also looking forward to finishing up somethings around the house that have been in need of repair and my spa ball class at the gym!Liette

Love the socks on little snowboarder - too cute!Look forward to wearing the scarves I knit this spring, making some cute hats for the 2 rugrats, enjoying some quality knitting time just for me and eating apple cider donuts from the apple farm -YUM!Loved the berry recipes this summer-maybe you can tempt me with some delish fall favorites!!

The socks are cute I love the colorway.I'm looking forward to each and every day. I've started a new job so each step I'm taking is a new one. Congrats on the blog. Keep up the great work I enjoy reading it.

Thank you for your awesome blog! You are without a doubt one of my absolute favorite bloggers. Thank you!! :)

I am looking forward to so much . . . --fall tv: Biggest loser, Grey's Anatomy, The Office to name a few--Autumn weather and the changing leaves--our 5 year wedding anniversary and weekend away to celebrate--the new things my son is learning every day--knitting with wool again once the heat and humidity has cleared--all of the winter knits I am now dreaming about making

I'm looking forward: to finishing my summer knits, so I can start my fall ones.to fall nights cool enough to justify lighting the fireplace.to my kids starting school (they don't start until next Tuesday and frankly, they are driving me crazy!)to the start of the hockey season (go Flames!!) and two hours of knitting time per game (more if they go into OT)to the Tragically Hip concert in 3 weeks

Lots of other things that make winter (from November to April) in Calgary tolerable - red wine, chinooks, good books, the arrival of Blue Moon sock kits, Sunday morning sleep - ins....

Hmmm . . . things I'm looking forward to . . .I have a nice long 4 and half day weekend ahead,getting my sewing table back (it just to hard using the machine on the floor), going to the renaissance festivaland hopefully getting some crafty time in at some point

I'm looking forward to the start of College Football myself-Go Purdue! (Although I did grow up in a Notre Dame house!) I'm also looking forward to settling back into a routine (My youngest starts Pre K 3 days a week next Wed.), which this will equal a little knitting time for me! And I am looking foward to the fall weather and all the colors that come with it here in Indiana!

Looking forward to school starting, Tuesday! Finishing the many pairs of sock on the needles, I have a case of second sock syndrome.Knitting up my new Knit Picks City Tweed yarn.Fall camping. Love the colder weather.

I am looking forward to a lot of things too, but they all pale to looking forward to my son coming home from Iraq. Until that happens nothing else seems that important. Great giveaway though!! :) Thanks for doing it!!Suzanne

I am looking forward to my 30th birthday! (October 17th)I am looking forward to Fall and cooler days and cold nights and rain and gray skies and knitting watching Miss Marple mysteries.I am looking forward to my back feeling better so I can knit something other than this drop stitch scarf on size 17 needles, especially since I just bought a Chinook Shawl kit from Knitpicks and extra on sale lace yarn for a Muir stole.I am looking forward to one best friend moving back to my city (just a few more days!) and another returning from China (soon, I hope!).I am looking forward to winning your contest (fingers crossed)!

-My oldest going back to school so I can get a bit of a break-Hearing back about some designs I sent in to be published.-Cooler weather so i can wear some knitwear-Maybe winning that gorgeous yarn you're offering.

i am looking forward to cooler weather-it has been hot hot and dry for 4 months. Then I can wear my socks again-and the new ones I knit this summer!Of course there is lots more knitting to do anad with all the new and not so new fibres and patterns.

I am looking forward to Roanoke NoSo Knit, which has a very special entry fee - A knitted item to be donated to charity! I need to finish up the hat for that.Also looking forward to my knitting weekend getaway with my mom. We are going to SAFF in October!

I'm looking forward to finishing my Shawl that Jazz, it seems to be taking forever! I am looking forward to the snow flying. I'm looking foward to getting started on all of my holiday projects. And, I a have to agree, I am also looking forward to The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook. Can't wait until it comes out.Love your blog, thanks for a great contest.

Those socks are awesome! How about we make a deal -- you knit Snowboarder the hat you promised for April, I knit Mr. Batty the sweater I promised to knit 2 years ago?

I look forward to the upcoming crazy D&D weekend. Gaming just as we did when we were in high school. Yay.And I look forward to actually knowing how to ply yarn. I had a spinning lesson today, it's going really well, but I have yet to ply anything.

1) My cat coming home (she ran away when our apartment complex caught on fire.)2) Starting a new job (I was offered the position this morning!)3) My one-year wedding anniversary in October.4) Possibly going home for Thanksgiving or Christmas.5) Fall!6) Michigan State Football!!

The socks are really sweet, one sock, I just had to giggle at that one. I love 3 day weekends and its supposed to cool down - Yipee!!! I will go to my favorite coffee house to knit and perhaps go to a street fair. Your contest is so generous, these are yarns that I've read about and would LOVE to try. Thank you for your generosity.

Love the little cotties. Me - I'm looking forward to bringing my Beau home. He had emergency surgery for bloat and is doing well. He ate hamberger tonight. I just want to bring him home and cuddle with him.

I am looking forward to the crisp Midwestern weather, to finishing my first cable sweater (Central Park Hoodie), to making my first pair of mittens (for my baby niece), to seeing the changing fall colors, and to life slowing down.

Your socks are adorable. I have knit 3 pair of socks and still can't seem to get the fit right. I look forward to one day knitting a pair of socks that fit.

What a sweet pair of Cottys! Luck mini-boarder! I always look forward to your new sock patterns. Right now, I am looking forward to starting a new quilt project and for the new Michele Wildgen book to be released in October.:)

Those socks are SO cute! Im currently making Cotty socks for me with some Socks that Rock that was gifted to me by a great friend :) AWesome!Im looking forward to fall leaves, getting back to teaching, running in cooler weather, and watching some late night fall TV!Have a great day!

I'm looking forward to cooler weather, the leaves turning color, time to knit more socks, university students returning--I'm a librarian--and cooking (and eating!) more cool weather foods like pot roast.

Let's see. I am sitting here, looking forward to a friend's visit for the weekend. I am so looking forward to the Fall season on t.v. I am tired of nothing on. I am looking forward to finishing this baby sweater before the baby gets here. My friend's granddaughter is due to hatch in 3 weeks. And I look forward to less yard work, and more time to knit.

I'm looking forward to wearing my own Cotty's (I just finished sock #1 last night and I'm into the cuff of #2 today). I'm looking forward to seeing the little smiles on my brand new grandson, age 15 days today! And I'm looking forward to fall planting (and less watering!) Thanks for the chance to win a great looking prize....

I'm looking forward to wearing handknits, to walks in crisp leaves, to reading more good books, and an all girl trip to SAFF with my mom and my favorite aunt in October! Congrats on your blog. I love reading it, and your knitting inspires us all!

I am looking forward to a relief from the 60+ days over 100 degrees each and no rain in sight weather that we have had in Texas. It even rained tonite and dropped to 71 at 9 pm! I am looking forward to lots of good napping weather. I am looking forward to graduating from yoga teacher training school in December. I am looking forward to winning your contest!! :} janita

I'm looking forward to finally learning how to knit socks--I have been trying but it takes a while for it to stick with me. I know I can do it. I'm also looking forward to cooler weather and much more knitting!!!

I am also looking forward to football (and love the Irish!)! Also reading this book - Made from Scratch - http://www.amazon.com/Made-Scratch-Discovering-Pleasures-Handmade/dp/160342086X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252182176&sr=8-1

I am looking forward to knitting outside when the weather cools and watching my kids in football and color guard! I love the fall!

I am looking forward to closing on our first house in 10 days!!! I am a ball of anxiety, moving with a 4 year old and a 2 year old-but OH I am so excited. My husband and I have dreamed of this for so long

I am looking forward to closing on our first house in 10 days!!! I am a ball of anxiety, moving with a 4 year old and a 2 year old-but OH I am so excited. My husband and I have dreamed of this for so long

Cute socks -- and my daughter would love, love, love to have those shoes!

I'm looking forward to the start of football season (not because I actually watch, but because hubby does and I can knit uninterrupted!), my little girl starting preschool, the first time I feel the little one inside me move, and watching my son learn to play basketball -- it's going to be a busy fall!

I'm glad your blog makes you happy. You post some beautiful work (which makes me happy)! I look forward to a vacation in October, the first "real one" in years. Grey's, crisp fall NE weather, more baking and some fall hiking! Also looking forward to seeing more patterns from you!

Looking forward to getting over a cold. I get the whole day in bed today, yay DH :0). Looking forward to cold weather. And Hubbs being here next month. And work (eventually!). And our community craft sale (goodbye stash!). And knitting a FLS at last. Wow, didn't realize how much I had to look forward to!!! What a great cheerer upper you are :0) :0)

I'm looking forward to finishing my first knitted vest (how did I take so long to start one? almost instant gratification when you knit no sleeves) and hanging out by the pool on this last pool weekend.

Fall means looking forward to being outside walking/jogging or riding my bike without swatting bugs away and sweating like crazy (I'm in SC!). And being able to sit in the cool air and knit without the yarn attaching itself to my fingers will be great! I'm always looking forward to new knits and adventures on your blog!

I'm looking forward to more awesome patterns from you.I'm looking forward for this grief in my heart to ease up from the death of my dear daughter and before that my husband.I'm looking forward to still maybe moving to Idaho.I'm looking forward to dating again, and finding my next hubby. (know anyone?).I'm looking forward to giving praise to all of Gods Blessings that he has given me and will give me in my future.

I'm looking forward to the first snowfall!I'm looking forward to my trip to Ft.Knox with my sister to see her son graduate Army basic & training.I'm looking forward to my piano students returning this week.I'm looking forward to making a dent in my sock yarn stash.And I am looking forward to a 2nd grandbaby in April. ;)

I'm looking forward to going hiking in the redwoods with my sister in two weeks! I'm also looking forward to the Lambtown USA fair in Dixon, CA! It's the first weekend in October, and I've never been to a sheep-related festival before.

I'm looking forward to: second week at my new job, after being out of work for over a year! And my kids both have fall birthdays - 11 next week, and 7 next months, which is lots of fun and we're so excited for!

I am looking forward to fall. Everything about fall- the look, the smell, the sound of the leaves falling, the chill in the air, the fact that I can wear my fabulous handknitted socks, and- of course- football!

I'm so glad I came upon your blog for this contest. Got your awesome sock pattern with my Plucky Knitter shipment--I'm looking forward to casting on for them. I'm also going raspberry picking with some friends tomorrow (weather permitting) and I'm looking forward to all the yummy things I can make with fresh raspberries.

I missed the contest (*SNIFF*) as I was on vacation, but I'm looking forward to CSI, Bones, Dollhouse, and The Office. And I'm REALLY looking forward to cooler weather. It's still hitting the high 90s here!